Sturgis beats Dexter in regional soccer semifinals

The Sturgis soccer team eliminated No. 7 Dexter 2-1 in the first round of regional play Tuesday night in Jackson.

“This was a ball position match, but we surprised Dexter with an early goal and that gave my players a lot of confidence, they were able to maintain control of the midfield,” coach Louis Olivares said.

The Trojans’ Junhuel Rubio scored in the first four minutes of the game. Getting the assists was Jonathan Gonzalez.

Dexter knotted the game with just seconds left in the first half.

Sturgis’ Enrique Lopez scored the game winner with 31:14 left in the game.

Assisting was Carlos Maldonado.

“During the halftime break I told my players that Dexter’s goal should not effect their game plan and they must remain confident and play with a cool head.

“And thats exactly what my team did, they never gave up, played with a cool head and remained focused,” Olivares said.

Dexter had five yellow cards to none by Sturgis.

The Trojans got a great effort in net once again from Isaac Montoya.

He stopped all six shots that he faced in the contest.

Dexter (17-5-1) is the second Division 2 Top 10 team to have their season ended by the Trojans.

Saturday Sturgis beat Mattawan 1-0 after two full havles, two full overtime sessions and eventually during penalty kicks in the district final at home.

The Trojans will take on Milan (12-8) Thursday night at 6 p.m., in Jackson.